Population Change and High Speed Rail? Empirical Findings in China’s Meso Level Data

The study conducts a comparative analysis of population elasticity before and after the introduction of High Speed Rail (HSR) across the regions of China. It focuses on the elasticity of population change in relation to development of HSR in China and associated shifts in economic conditions. The concept of elasticity in this context quantifies the percentage change in population resulting from a one percent change in economic growth, using the GDP as the key economic indicator. Through the application of log transformations, this research ensures normalized data distributions, enhancing interpretability and meeting the assumptions required for robust statistical analysis. After the introduction of HSR, significant shifts in population elasticity are observed, so that the findings of this study emphasize significant regional differences—or meso level analysis—in how HSR influences population elasticity with respect to economic growth. The findings underscore the critical role of HSR in promoting economic integration and urban development in China. The infrastructure not only enhances transportation efficiency but also fosters a dynamic and responsive population landscape. As such, HSR can contribute to the realignment of population growth patterns, encouraging balanced regional development and enabling greater economic connectivity between urban and rural areas.